Hot Springs (onsen)

Aomori City, Nishitsugaru-gun, Kuroishi City

Sukayu Onsen, known for its “thousand-person” bath

Located in southern Aomori City, the Sukayu Onsen hot spring waters are cloudy and quite acidic, as the name suggests (it means “acidic waters”). Although Sukayu Onsen was founded in the Edo era, the area has been used for hot spring bathing since ancient times. The hot springs area is dotted with accommodation options, but it’s most famous for its “thousand-person” hiba cypress bath, which offers mixed-gender bathing. In a massive space equivalent to 160 tatami mats, built entirely of hiba cypress, bathers can enjoy 4 kinds of water: hot water, shibu-rokubu water, cold water, or a hot water cascade. The bath is reserved for female use only from 8 to 9 A.M. and again from 8 to 9 P.M. For those who don’t like mixed-gender bathing, this is the best time zone to enjoy the bath.

Enjoy the sea breeze at Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen.

The Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen hot spring allows you to enjoy extensive panoramic views of the Sea of Japan while bathing. From dawn to dusk, view the varied seascapes of Nishitsugaru-gun, including exceptional sunsets where the sinking sun turns the sea red. The waters at Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen are known for their ferocious heat and are difficult to cool. The distinctive brown of the hot water springs comes from oxidized iron, which makes a striking contrast against the shining blue Sea of Japan. Many tourists find the beautiful scenic view from the gourd-shaped open-air bath irresistible.

No power outlets at the Lamp-no-Yado hot spring inn in Kuroishi

Located on the outskirts of Kuroishi in southern Aomori is Kuroishi Onsen town. The mountain valley is home to many hot spring inns, but the Lamp-no-Yado inn located at the Aoni Onsen is rather special. As the name suggests, this inn is distinctive for the many lamps placed throughout its premises. From the dining hall to the guest rooms and lobby, every corner of the inn is filled with lamplight. Of course, lamps light the hot spring waters too. One bath overlooks a mountain stream, another looks out on a waterfall, and there’s even an open-air bath for mixed-gender bathing. There is no electricity, no power outlets, and no Wi-Fi. Enjoy a quiet stay at a hot spring inn, just like the traditional days of old Japan.